Tuesday, November 17, 2009

"National Organization for Women at NYU invites you to join us for a screening of Very Young Girls, an expose of human trafficking that follows thirteen and fourteen year old American girls as they are seduced, abused, and sold on New York’s streets by pimps, and treated as adult criminals by police. The film follows the barely-adolescent girls in real time, using vérité and intimate interviews with them as they are first lured on to the streets and the dire events which follow. The film also uses startling footage shot by the brazen pimps themselves giving a rare glimpse into how the cycle of street life begins for many women. The film identifies hope for these girls in the organization GEMS (Girls Education and Mentoring Services), a recovery center founded and run by Rachel Lloyd, herself a survivor of sexual exploitation. Although this event is free, donation will be accepted and greatly appreciated. All donations go directly to the GEMS and the Girls Are Not For Sale campaign! Snacks will be provided! Learn more at http://www.gems-girls.org/girlsarenotforsale.html#Synopsis

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Today we discussed negative and positive media portrayals of women by bringing in images and video clips that revealed/reinforced sexualizing images as well as empowering ones. If you were not able to attend the meeting, or wish to reevaluate them, you can download the pictures here. Just enter the verification code shown. Some of the discussion points raised were:

In sexualizing images, how can we distinguish between a woman who is taking control of her sexuality versus a woman who is being rendered a sexual object?

Has categorization/objectification of women also been applied to men by powerful female artists? If so, what effect does this have in both reinforcing inequality and also being a reflective tool in "turning the tables" in society?

How has the idea of "real" beauty emerged in popular culture in campaigns like the Dove campaign or in the efforts of plus-size models? Do these efforts have any setbacks? (Dove campaign and airbrushing).

Does rap/hip hop culture degrade women, or does it just reveal the lifestyle of musical artists realistically? (Example: Snoop Dog and the women surrounding him. Are they trophies, or are they the facts of such a lifestyle?)

How has the terminology of rap culture been translated to empower rather than to degrade women? Have women successfully taken "bitch" back or should these terms be avoided altogether?

How does this terminology affect the way women perceive each other and themselves? Are we still "feminist" if we enjoy the music this culture yields?

Are women who surround the powerful rappers in music videos empowering themselves, or are they mere objects on a screen?

Sex trafficking portrayal of the "JOURNEY" art exhibit held on campus.

REMINDER: Next week we will probably be doing the "Very Young Girls" fundraising event. Room and other details TBA.

Please join us next week again & remember there is no meeting on the day before Thanksgiving.